AGRIBUSINESS: EPA Finalizes 2013 RFS Standards

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The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the 2013 percentage standards for four fuel categories that are part of the Renewable Fuel Standard program yesterday. The final overall volumes and standards require 16.55-billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel supply - a 9.74% blend. Specifically - the standard requires 1.28-billion gallons of biomass-based diesel, 2.75-billion gallons of advanced biofuels and six-million gallons of cellulosic biofuels. EPA says these standards reflect updated production projections - which are informed by extensive engagement with industry and a thorough assessment of the biofuels market.

The National Biodiesel Board says that the changes to the renewable fuels standard should help consumers by creating jobs and reducing emissions. EPA requires advanced biofuels to reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared with petroleum fuels.